But it wasn’t just physical fitness and determination to realize his long-standing ambition to open a gym in North Yorkshire.
It required six-figure investments, including significant life savings from Mark and his life and business partner Hannah Davis.
Their vision was to establish a cutting-edge gym inspired by the world’s best and most luxurious gyms, but remained accessible.
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The spacious 4,500-square-foot MK1 gym features modern equipment, dedicated studio space for classes and circuits, as well as other facilities designed to accommodate all fitness levels.
Jim is currently unrecognizable from his previous incarnation as Brayton Farm Shop.
Mark has moved to working full-time at the gym, and although he has hundreds of members now, Hanna balances her career in the food industry with management and business development.
Some of the stylish footwear created by the couple (Image: supplied photos)
Mark said: “I grew up immersed in sports and fitness thanks to my parents’ careers. Building a business in the fitness industry has always been my ambition.
“Hanna and I understood the risks of investing in such a competitive sector, but we believed that by offering high quality offerings at accessible price points, people would come.”
Hannah added: “We are delighted with the response and positive feedback we receive consistently from our members, many of which are drawn to the high quality, diverse equipment we provide, as well as the welcoming and inclusive environment we have worked hard on.
The background of the sport and fitness marks is extensive. His mother, Susan, represented Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics at the Pentaslon and again in Moscow in 1980.
His late father, Bruce, was a highly regarded national coach, with training athletes such as Daily Thompson and Sally Gunnel working with soccer, tennis and rugby experts at Olympic Gold.
MK1 gym is named after Mark and his daughter, Kyah. The business at Mill Lane has produced several full-time and part-time jobs, and the couple continues to explore new ways to develop and enhance their offerings to stay ahead of the competitive market.
One of their latest ventures includes launching a variety of gyms and athlete wear.
Hannah said: “Initially, I printed some promotional t-shirts with my logo to promote the gym, but quickly came into demand. I stuck to the philosophy of offering high quality products at accessible prices.
Going forward, couples will focus on innovation and delivering exceptional fitness experiences to their communities.
